Conservative management of twin pregnancies with one dead fetus: is it safe?

• Published in: Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica Vol. 76; no. 2; pp. 128 - 130
• Main Authors: Zorlu, C. Gürkan, Yalçin, Hakan R., Claglar, Turhan, Gökmen, Oya
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Informa UK Ltd 01.02.1997; Blackwell Publishing Ltd; Taylor & Francis
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; coagulopathy; Diseases of mother, fetus and pregnancy; Embryonic and Fetal Development; Female; Fetal Death; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Humans; Medical sciences; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Pregnancy Trimester, Third; Pregnancy. Fetus. Placenta; Retrospective Studies; single fetal death; twin pregnancy; Twins; Case study; Human; Clinical management; Pregnancy disorders; Prematurity; Conservation; Fetus; Death; Twin pregnancy; Twin
• ISSN: 0001-6349; 1600-0412
• DOI: 10.3109/00016349709050067

Background. Fetal death in one of the twins is unusual and the management issue of such a condition is not straightforward. Methods. We reviewed the outcomes of nine twin pregnancies with one dead fetus in whom follow-up period exceeded 3 weeks. Results. The twinning frequency was 8.9 per thousand deliveries and the frequency of subsequent antepartum death of one fetus was found to be 3.8%. The preterm birth rate was 45.5%and the survival rate was 90.1%. The perinatal mortality rate was 12%. Maternal clotting disorder was observed in one patient and treated successfully with heparin. Conclusions. We suggest that these patients are best managed conservatively unless further hazard to the fetus or mother appears.